Marie Fraunberg

MARIE FRAUNBERG, Age 76 of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, September 12, 2008 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital where she was taken following a sudden collapse. She was born in Lee County, Il, October 6, 1932, the daughter of George and Mary (Kessel) Herra. Her family moved to Elburn when Marie was about two. Following graduation from Elburn High School, she was married to Robert Hamblen. Marie gave birth to four children and by the late fifties became a single parent holding down several jobs to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Life would never be easy for Marie but her indomitable spirit never gave up or gave in. On March 5, 1962 she was united in marriage to James Fraunberg and through the years that followed they raised their blended family together and remained in Elburn. The strength of will that made them "survivors", sometimes made them "warriors" as well, but always the love they cherished kept them together. Among Marie’s many jobs, one of the first was waitressing at Carlsons, just two doors down from her parents grocery store. Later she worked also at the County Line Inn, Maple Park and Fisherman’s Inn near Elburn. She could give and take a "ribbing" with the best of them and, over the years, became a legend in her own time. Eighteen years were spent at National Electronics (now Richardson Electronics) where she worked in Quality Control, and Marie spent ten years working at the Petroleum Pride gas station at routes 47 and 64. Of all her "jobs" the one she loved the best was the one that brought the greatest joy to others. Countless children, (now grown to be parents and grandparents) came to know Marie as "Santa". Her calendar was full from Thanksgiving to New Years and for the rest of her life, people fondly recalled how she held them on her lap and listed to their dreams. Marie and Jim often pursued their wish-list at area auctions where Marie became a collector and local authority on fine glassware. In more recent years, she put that knowledge to work for both Almburg and Swanson auctioneering. Often working as clerk as well, she enjoyed seeing many friends and community acquaintances. She and Jim also enjoyed meeting friends on their two Harleys. Together they made many a trip with friends and couples from area cycle clubs. SURVIVORS In addition to her husband, Jim, Marie is survived by four children: Robert Hamblen Jr., of Maple Park, IL Ronald Hamblen of Marshall, WI Rodney Hamblen of Huntley, IL Sharon French of Washington State, Three step-children: Cindy Walls of Massillon Ohio State, Lindy (Rick) Ostrom of Elburn, IL James (Ae.yang) Fraunberg Jr., South Elgin, IL Thirteen Grandchildren: Twelve Great Grandchildren: Six Siblings: Jack (Jan) Herra, Richard (Mary ) Herra, Larry "Bucky" (Maxine) Herra and LeRoy (Carol) Herra, -all of Elburn and Darlene (Terry) Terrill of Knox City, IN Dean "Yogi" Herra, Elburn Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. And countless kids who simply called called her "Ma". PRECEDED : She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary, an infant sister, Janet, one sister-in-law, Florence Herra, one daughter-in-law, Kristine Hamblen and one granddaughter, Fancy Hamblen. VISITATION / FUNERAL A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Daniel Simpson American Legion Post, Main Street, Elburn, ¬¬Sunday September 28 from 3:30 to 6. Private cremation interment will later be held at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Marie’s name to benefit the Legion Auxiliary of Daniel Simpson American Legion Post #630, Elburn. Memorials may be mailed in care of 45W032 Rowe Rd Elburn, IL 60119. Cremation care entrusted to Conley Funeral Home, Elburn, IL.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Daniel Simpson American Legion Post, Main Street, Elburn, ¬¬Sunday September 28 from 3:30 to 6.

Private cremation interment will later be held at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn.